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Special Operations Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

iQ Sig

Force Design Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Contributes to the development of new special operations operating concepts, concepts of operation (CONOPS), force design concepts, concept required capabilities, and capability gap assessments.

Nokia Federal Solutions Inc.

SIGINT Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Experience Demonstrated experience in remote targeting, sensor operations, and special operations. Strong recent experience in wireless communications. Demonstrated ability to work with a joint ...

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How much do special operations operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for special operations operator in Washington is $22.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $24.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special operations operator?

Special Operations Operators are highly trained military personnel who conduct specialized missions that go beyond the capabilities of conventional military forces. Their duties often include counterterrorism, reconnaissance, direct action, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare. Operators are selected through a rigorous process and receive advanced training in areas such as weapons handling, survival, tactics, and languages. They frequently work in small, elite teams and are deployed in challenging and high-risk environments around the world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special operations operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Operations Operator, you need advanced physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and specialized military training, often acquired through rigorous selection programs like Navy SEALs or Army Special Forces. Expertise with weapons systems, communications technology, and survival equipment is essential, along with relevant military certifications. Exceptional teamwork, resilience, and decision-making under pressure are crucial soft skills for operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments. These competencies ensure mission success, personal safety, and effective coordination in demanding and often dangerous operations.

What are some common challenges special operations operators face during missions, and how are they supported to overcome them?

Special Operations Operators often encounter challenges such as operating in high-stress, unpredictable environments, coordinating with multiple agencies, and adapting quickly to changing mission parameters. They are supported through rigorous training, access to advanced equipment, and strong team cohesion that fosters trust and clear communication. Additionally, operators have access to mental health resources and regular debriefings to help manage stress and maintain peak performance.

What is the difference between Special Operations Operator vs Combat Medic?

AspectSpecial Operations OperatorCombat Medic
Required CredentialsMilitary training, special operations qualification, security clearanceMedical certifications, EMT or paramedic license, military medical training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk, covert missions in diverse terrainsField medical support in combat zones or emergency settings
Employer & IndustryMilitary special forces unitsMilitary, emergency services, or civilian medical units

Special Operations Operators and Combat Medics both serve in military environments, but their roles differ significantly. Operators focus on covert, high-risk missions requiring specialized combat skills, while Combat Medics provide medical support and emergency care in combat zones. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in military special operations.

What are popular job titles related to Special Operations Operator jobs in Washington?

For Special Operations Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Operations Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Operations Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Special Operations Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Special Operations Operator job openings:

Special Operations Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Operations Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,713 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Force Design Analyst

iQ Sig

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

What you'll do
  • Provides analytic support and assists in developing decision support products.
  • Assists the analysis, assessment, and development of future Special Operations Forces (SOF) force structure and capabilities.
  • Contributes to the development of new special operations operating concepts, concepts of operation (CONOPS), force design concepts, concept required capabilities, and capability gap assessments.
  • Translates strategic guidance from the National Defense Strategy and other key documents into concrete force design concepts and resource-informed operational plans.
  • Develops and evaluates alternative force design options using analytical models and data-driven assessments to determine optimal configurations.
  • Provides inputs to modeling and simulation analyses to assess the effectiveness of different force structures and concepts of operation.
  • Analyzes existing and proposed force structures to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in capability.
  • Supports operational analyses to determine how forces should be organized, equipped, and employed to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Prepares and presents detailed reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leaders on force structure, risk, and capability trade-offs.
  • Facilitates wargames, workshops, and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to explore and validate emerging force design concepts.
  • Researches and evaluates emerging technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, hypersonics, cyber warfare) and their potential impact on force design.
  • Drafts requirements documents and proposals to support the programming and acquisition of new SOF capabilities.
  • Maintains a thorough understanding of current and future threats, geopolitical trends, and military doctrine.

Qualifications
  • Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
  • Education: Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., National Security Studies, Military Science, Business Administration). A Bachelor's degree with 15 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted.
  • Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in force development, force design, or strategic/operational planning within the Department of War (DOW).
  • DoD Process Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS), defense acquisition and resourcing processes, and the development of formal military requirements documents.
  • SOF Acumen: Deep understanding of SOF culture, capabilities, and operational employment.
  • Strategic Analysis: Proven ability to analyze complex strategic problems, synthesize information from multiple sources, and develop innovative, data-driven recommendations.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing General/Flag Officers or senior civilian equivalents.
  • Project Leadership: Experience leading and facilitating multi-stakeholder working groups and integrated product teams (IPTs).
  • Quantitative Analysis: Proficiency with data analysis or modeling tools to support force structure and capability trade-off decisions.

The pay range for this position is between $145,000 and $175,000 per year. This position is benefits-eligible. Our suite of benefits includes Health, Dental, Vision, 401k w/ match, Gym Membership discounts, Volunteer Paid Time Off, and a generous PTO package. We'd love to tell you more! Apply today!
We believe great talent comes from many backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, consistent with all applicable laws.
Our team provides superior services, solutions and subject matter expertise to solve our customer's most challenging requirements in cyber, land, air, sea and space. We believe in empowering our employees to deliver exceptional results across our federal, state and private sector clients. We are values-led and mission driven. We can't wait to work with you!

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